IS SPORTS A UNITARY BOND OR DISARRAY TO THE WORLD?

  It amazes me when i hear people saying that sports creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of that world could meet one another at football or squash tilt, they would have no inclination to meet on the battle field.
Even if one didn't know form concrete examples (for instance, the 1963 Olympic games) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles.
  Nearly all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive.  You play to win and the game has little meaning unless you do you utmost to win.  On the village green, where you pick up sides and not feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simple for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, as soon as you feel that you and some larger units will be disgraced if you lose the  most savage combative instincts are aroused.  Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this.  At the international level, sports is frankly a mimic warfare.  But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players, but the attitude of the spectators, and, behind the spectators of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe at any rate for short period; the running, jumping, and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.
  Even a leisure game demanding grace rather than strength can cause ill-will.  Football, a game in which everyone gets hurt or ever nation has its own style of play is far worse.  Worst of all is boxing.  One of the most horrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience.